Page 44 of The Rake Desires the Diamond

Egad! The same reason any sane person would tolerate Greyson. Blackmail. What could Greyson possibly have on Taylor?

Wellspring plopped onto the stool beside Evan. “Well done.” He clapped Evan on the back.

Since the ale had loosened his lips, now was as good a time as any to avow his feelings about Katrina. He chugged, and then before his nerves got the better of him, he spoke quickly.

“I must confess something, and I am unsure how you will take it. If you want to knock my teeth down my throat, I won’t stop you,” Evan said. “In fact, I quite deserve it.”

“Ahh,” Wellspring said, “I suppose you confessed our unscrupulous dupe to Katrina. I am not unhappy in the least. I no longer wish to deceive her.”

“That is not entirely everything.” Evan gulped a huge swig. “Springy, I have feelings for the chit. I am sorry. I know you are courting her, but I cannot stop thinking about her.”

Wellspring exhaled, long and slow. When he didn’t say anything, Evan blabbered on.

“I know you are a better man than I, and if I care about her, I should kick my attraction to hell. But I cannot. I have tried.” He met Wellspring’s gaze. “Truly, I have. I also know her brothers will never allow me to court her.” Another quaff gave him the courage to finish. “I kissed her, mate. And that sly boot saw it.” Evan waved his hand in Greyson’s direction. “And now he is blackmailing us both. Well, was blackmailing. I think I have put an end to it.”

Please let Wellspring’s punch sting like hell because he deserved the pain. Although the man was so laid back, Evan had no idea if he knew how to land a debilitating blow.

“That doesn’t surprise me, Eaton. I think I’ve known all along.” Wellspring exhaled, clapped Evan on the shoulder, and stood. He strolled across the tavern to sit across from Buttons.

Hmm? It could have gone worse. Much worse because although Wellspring had not said,Go for it, mate,he had not lost his temper, and he looked… relieved?

Harrington dropped onto the seat beside Evan. “Well played, Eaton. What a deuce’s-s of a match, and whatever you s-said, you unnerved Greys-son. He is-s s-still pouting,” Harrington slurred.

While his friend was pleased with him—and in his cups—Evan should break the news of his attraction to his sister. He opened his mouth to confide his secret, but the words stuck in his throat.

“What is-s it?” Harrington asked. “You are s-sucking on the inside of your jaw again.”

While Evan contemplated his admission, the weight of the last two days hit him with a heavy thud. “I think I shall head back to Yardley Manor. I am exhausted.”

“I s-shall join you. I would now like to celebrate the day with my lovely wife.” Harrington winked as he dug his elbow into Evan’s side. “If you know what I mean?”

That was a bit more information than Evan needed. Anna was too sweet for such notions.

Frigging bollocks. What in the devil was wrong with him? If he did not get ahold of his silly emotions, he might soon grow a vagina and tits. And what fun would that be since he’d become too bloody noble to fondle them?

“You’re sloshed, Harrington. Let us go.” Thereupon, he wrapped his arm around his best mate, and they snaked through the tavern to the exit.

Chapter nineteen

July 1st, 1818

With its turquoise walls, yellow draperies, gilded crown molding, and dozens of elegant chairs and settees upholstered in turquoise, yellow, and cream, The Crown Jewel’s drawing room was the perfect place to relax and enjoy berries in cream, sponge cake, and a sweet punch. A half-dozen women who’d returned from the match earlier, leisurely discussed the afternoon as they awaited the return of the players from the local pub.

“My, oh my. Did you see Master Eaton catch that ball?” Mrs. Palmer, one of the widowed guests staying at the inn forthe season, asked.

One would think that a woman in her seventies might be well past romantic notions. Apparently not, since she sighed with girly affection.

“Oh, my, he is so handsome. If only I were still young,” said Mrs. Palmer’s elderly companion, Lady Chisolm. “Lady Katrina and Miss Elizabeth, if I were as lovely as you girls, I would set my sights on Evan Eaton.” She popped a strawberry into her mouth.

What in the dickens was Kat to say to that? That she’d spent most of her life treating him as if he were dirt beneath her slippers? And now that she favored him, she’d thrown herself at him, and he’d turned her away?

“Oh, Agnes, do behave,” Mrs. Palmer chided her friend.

Quite bold indeed, since she was the one who’d brought up Evan in the first place, blushing and sighing like a besotted schoolgirl.

Lady Chisolm held up a finger, stalling the conversation until she’d swallowed her mouthful. “I dare say, I behaved my entire life and am quite bored with the entire thing. What did propriety ever get me? The title of ‘Chisolm the Old Spinster.’” Shepfftedin Aunt Justine’s direction. “Oh, do not look so horrified, Justine. I know what others say about me, and I’d have preferred to live my life to the fullest, to experience love and passion.” She pointed her fan at Beth. “You enjoy life, do you not, Miss Elizabeth?”

“I do try.” Sitting tall, Beth smiled. “I am courting Frederick Montague. He also played quite well today, did he not? And he is exceedingly handsome.”